Karen Lenore Carboun

Karen Lenore Carboun

January 14, 1963 – November 20, 2025

Karen was born on January 14, 1963 in Phoenix, Arizona and was quickly brought home to a loving family where she would be the youngest sibling of four. Her parents, Nadine and Otis Hilton raised her and her brothers, Kelvin, Kenny, and Kim, with immense love and care. Karen’s youth involved spending time with her family and the kind people in their neighborhood. 

She was blessed with her first child, Nichole, in 1981 and then her second child, Shantell, in 1984. Karen was a hard-working, independent, single mother until she married the love of her life, John Carboun, in 1988. Karen and John would go on to adopt their two cousins, Mike and Cara, as well as have twins of their own, John (J.J.) and Mikaela in 1998. With a household of six children, Karen perfected the most difficult responsibility, being a mother. In the years to come, she would spend her time taking care of her family. She lived in a beautiful home in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband John. They hosted birthday parties, dinners, and their annual Christmas party. She created an atmosphere that made all feel welcomed and accepted. 

Karen never seemed to run out of energy, she loved taking care of her home, her yard, her animals, her children, and her husband. She was the most loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Outside of that, she loved the simple things in life, a nice walk, a cup of coffee, good music, and the occasional smoke. Most of all, she enjoyed being in water. Whether it was her swimming pool at home, jumping off her and her husband’s boat, or floating in the sea. The family was able to go on many vacations together, but Karen’s favorite place in the world was at her home, surrounded by the people she loved most. On November 20, 2025, that is exactly where she was. 

She is survived by her loving husband John, her daughters Nichole, Shantell, and Mikaela, her son J.J., her brothers Kenny and Kim, her grandchildren Austin, Christopher, Breilynn, Devyn, Lailah, Emma, and her son and daughters-in-laws, Chris, Matt, and Ania, as well as six great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Karen's name to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014.